I grew up always wanting to act, always knowing that's what I wanted to do.

You have a lot more freedom to explore and improvise in a Canadian film, which you might not have when there's 13 different production companies that all have serious equity investments.

The fundamentals of what I'll do to prepare for a role don't really change. They evolve as you work with more actors and you pick up more tricks.

I know for me, specifically, L.A. is just an overwhelming and scary place. I like spending part of my year there, but I love having Canada as my home to come back to.

For me, selfishly, Toronto is my favorite city in the world. It's the greatest city and you have the whole world here.

Generally Canadian films are smaller. I think the market here is a tenth of the size of the States. So there's less resources to put into the films.

A lot of films in Canada are subsidized by the government, and compared to a studio, the government really stays out of your face creatively.

By far, the content of Canadian films. You're able to push the envelope in ways you can't in the U.S., I find. But also, because of the budgets and everything, it's all condensed, quick, and short.

Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.

It is unlikely that we will hit a home run anytime soon but if we are unable to get rid of offensive sports team nicknames, we will strike out.

To witness two lovers is a spectacle for the gods.

Playing Etta James in the movie 'Cadillac Records' really changed me. It was a darker character, and I realized that if anything is too comfortable, I want to run from it. It's no fun being safe.

You ask me, How much time? I do not know. I know it means time enough to forget time.

Relationships are more important than punch lines, ya know?

Without civilization, we would not turn into animals, but vegetables.

If you say "can't" you're restricting what you can do or ever will do.

There's definitely a melancholic ingredient in Cafe Tacvba concerts in the United States versus in other places.

Be humble in this life.